I have a pair of Bluetooth headphones, which I have been using since 2022. Today, I was sitting on the bus when some random person connected to them and started playing Free Bird.

It was a bit funny, but I don’t want this to become a regular thing. Is there a way of locking the headphones to certain Bluetooth addresses? Or a way of making it not show up automatically on phones (similar to a hidden WiFi network)?

The headphones in question are the JBL Tune 510, which have a USB-C port. However, I don’t know if this can be used to flash firmware.

If there’s already a comment telling me to “just use wired” or something, please don’t tell me again. It’s the best solution, but my phone doesn’t have a headphone jack (fuck you, Apple).

Thanks!

  • LWD@lemm.ee
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    10 months ago

    In my personal experience, every pair of headphones is different, but generally they won’t allow you to connect to a new device unless you intentionally enter a specific mode that broadcasts its availability. Otherwise, turning the device on alone usually causes it to enter a more “locked” mode where it only allows connections with devices it’s already seen.

    Hopefully you just tapped the wrong button. Otherwise, you’re right that this could be a huge security issue. A Bluetooth tool emulating a keyboard alone could do some serious damage if devices just accept it.

    • Hellfire103@sopuli.xyzOP
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      10 months ago

      Yeah, I think they go into discovery mode until they find a previously-paired device when you turn them on.

      I’ll double-check the manual.